A Peculiar Constitutional

This is a sample of this story.  The complete version is available in my collection Man Against the Future.  From there, you can order signed copies, or buy it for the Kindle or the Nook.

            My wife and I often take a constitutional with our feline companion, Chester, most evenings after I arrive home from work.  This particular evening in question, I was intrigued by an invitation my wife received from our mutual friend, Miss Harriet P. Stander. Miss Stander had requested our presence this evening for a rendezvous on her front porch for beverages in order that we might behold a marvel in her possession that she assured us simply couldn't be described in words. 

            The sojourn to Miss Stander's house was perhaps a mile on foot and as Chester, my wife, and I walked, we had a lovely conversation abut assorted things of various natures.

            My wife marveled at the weather and the sorts of flowers in bloom.  I myself pondered aloud about the status of politics and the upcoming election.  Chester, meanwhile, offered us a fascinating epiphany he'd had regarding the meaningless of life and the ever-expanding nature of the universe and cosmos.  It was all a bit over my head, but the sciences had never been my strongest suit.

            Chester was a devilishly intelligent cat that often confounded me with the depth of his learned philosophy. 

It was no wonder I enjoyed his company.

My wife enjoyed him for altogether different reasons.  She was barren, you see, and Chester tolerated quite admirably her predilection to groom and pamper a child-sized creature of intelligence.  It was her life's goal it seemed to always make sure that at all times Chester had tied snugly around his neck an ornately ribboned bowtie.

Were I a jealous man, I might be upset about the time spent gossiping between the pair while my wife manicured his hands and pedicured his feet. But he was a cat and such notions were absolute poppycock.  He was a handsome cat, to be sure, but still just a cat.

The complete version is available in my collection Man Against the Future.  From there, you can order signed copies, or buy it for the Kindle or the Nook.